AIT: Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy

AIT: Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is one of the most effective modern methods of treating allergies. It not only relieves allergy symptoms but also targets the underlying cause of the disease.

How AIT Works

AIT is based on gradually administering increasing doses of the causative allergen to the patient. During therapy, the immune system is reprogrammed: production of allergen-specific IgE decreases and production of blocking IgG4 antibodies increases. As a result, the body develops tolerance to the allergen.

This treatment is used for allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma and insect venom allergy. The effectiveness of therapy depends largely on correctly identifying the clinically relevant allergen, so comprehensive molecular allergy diagnostics is performed before treatment begins.

Forms of AIT

There are two main routes of allergen administration:

• Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT): the classic method, with allergen injections under the skin. It is performed in a medical facility under a physician's supervision;
• Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT): the allergen is taken as drops or tablets under the tongue. It can be carried out at home after the patient has been trained.

Effectiveness and Outcomes

A course of AIT usually lasts 3–5 years. According to clinical studies, the method is up to 80–90% effective. In many patients, allergy symptoms decrease significantly or disappear completely after the course is completed. AIT also reduces the risk of developing bronchial asthma in patients with allergic rhinitis.

Before AIT is prescribed, the causative allergen must be identified precisely. ImmunoCAP molecular allergy diagnostics accurately identifies the allergen components responsible for true sensitization, which improves the accuracy of patient selection for AIT.

KombiMED supplies diagnostic equipment and consumables for allergy clinics and laboratories.